Parts for your 1986 Mitsubishi Pajero-Receiver driers

1986 Mitsubishi Pajero receiver-drier: what it is, where it fits, and how to look after it

Technical documentation shows the 1986 Mitsubishi Pajero (first-generation L040 series) uses a TXV-style air-conditioning system with a high-side receiver‑drier. This is illustrated in Mitsubishi’s Factory Service Manual (Group 55A: Heating & Air Conditioning) and identified as “Receiver (A/C)” in the Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue for the era. General DENSO training materials on TXV systems also note that Japanese vehicles of the mid‑1980s commonly employ a receiver‑drier downstream of the condenser, which matches the Pajero layout.

The receiver‑drier on a 1986 Pajero does three big jobs. First, it stores a small reserve of liquid refrigerant after the condenser so the expansion valve always has a steady feed. Second, it dries the system: the desiccant inside soaks up moisture that would otherwise freeze, corrode internals, or break down compressor oil. Third, it filters out fine debris to protect the TXV and compressor. Many Pajeros of this vintage have the drier mounted near the condenser, and some units include a sight glass to help with charging and diagnostics. From factory the system ran R12, so a lot of vehicles have since been converted to R134a, the drier is critical either way.

Replacement is smart any time the system is opened, after a compressor change, or if there’s been a significant leak. Moisture ruins performance and can send pressures sky‑high. Clues the drier may be past it include sluggish cooling at idle, the drier running cold with frost while the outlet is much warmer (restriction), a noisy rattle from loose desiccant, or ugly, milky flow seen in a sight glass. A licensed A/C technician should handle evacuation and charging. Keep the new drier’s ports sealed until the moment it’s fitted, swap over any pressure switch, and use fresh O‑rings lightly oiled. If the car still uses R12, mineral oil is correct, for most R134a conversions, ester oil plays nicely with any residual mineral oil. After fitting, draw a deep vacuum (30–45 minutes) and charge by weight. If there was compressor carnage, the lines and condenser should be flushed and the TXV inspected so the new drier doesn’t cop the mess. For longevity, keep the condenser clean, run the A/C regularly year‑round, and check for corrosion at the drier’s bracket and fittings.

• Tip: label the vehicle with refrigerant type, charge weight, and oil used after any A/C work.

Popular questions

Does a 1986 Pajero have a receiver‑drier and where is it located?
Yes. The first‑gen Pajero uses a TXV system with a receiver‑drier on the high side, typically mounted near the condenser at the front of the vehicle. Look for a small cylindrical canister with two hard lines and, on some units, a sight glass on top.

How often should the receiver‑drier be replaced?
Replace it any time the A/C system is opened, after a major leak, or when changing the compressor or TXV. On older 4x4s that see harsh conditions, many technicians also renew the drier proactively every few years to keep moisture at bay.

What oil and refrigerant should be used after replacing the drier?
Original systems ran R12 with mineral oil. Most conversions to R134a use ester oil because it tolerates residual mineral oil. Always charge the correct refrigerant by weight and use the oil type and quantity recommended for the compressor fitted.